10 Things You Learned About ME This Week

Recently, a couple of talented bloggers have highlighted me on their sites with virtual awards. Honestly, the sentiments were as delightful as they were unexpected.

Back in October, Jennifer of MommiesDrink.com (perhaps you can see that we immediately had something in common) gave me the One Lovely Blog Award. We had recently “met” via Twitter (yes, people really do that) and I was just floored by the power of her post If I Had One More Day. Follow her. You won’t be sorry.

And a couple weeks ago, Susanne of The Dusty Parachute gave me the Liebster Award. Honestly, I have no idea how we connected, but I’m so glad we did. She’s a former advertising creative (hello!) who’s finding humor in thinking about going back to work now that her kids are getting older. You might have seen her post that went crazy, insanely viral this past week, Care Instructions for the One Year Old (Interpreted by the Grandparents). Follow her too. Because if you like me, chances are, you’ll like her. (Probably even better. Unless you’re my mom. Then you have to like me best.)

Anyways…a couple months later, I’m finally doing my part to accept the awards/pay it forward (though I’m breaking the rules, which is hard for me), and combining them into one post. And, instead of calling out a bunch of individual blogs, I’m going to call out a number of talented, small bloggers by giving a shout out to Project: Underblog. This site, which is near and dear to my heart, is doing everything it can to share small and mighty bloggers with you weekly. So read along. You might just discover that voice that speaks right to you.

So, this week instead of sharing the things I’ve learned, I figured I’d turn the tables. You can learn a thing or two about me (or stop here and get something more worthwhile done…you decide). Here are the questions I’m supposed to answer (for the Liebster Award) which may include seven things you don’t know about me (for the One Lovely Blog Award). Multi-tasking genius, people!

How long have you been blogging/how did you get started?
When Big was born, I started a blog to share updates with friends and family, but I had never really considered the fact that I might write things strangers would want to read. (Other than the ads and websites I wrote for brands as a copywriter.) But in 2010, I was running the Yahoo! Motherboard, an influencer outreach program that partnered with some of the most wonderful moms who were blogging at the time. I got the chance to see the fascinating things they were doing and it inspired me to start Using Our Words about 4-1/2 years ago on my birthday—June 27th, 2010.

Where’s your favorite place you have traveled?
I’m a water baby, so as much as I’ve loved seeing the truly beautiful scenery in spots like France, Italy, and England, and enjoyed our family trips to places like Disneyland, I’m a sucker for a tropical getaway. Tahiti, specifically Morea, comes in at number one. Lenny and I went there on our honeymoon and it was truly the most luxurious, relaxing place imaginable.

What book are you currently reading & would you recommend it?
I haven’t been able to dive into a meaty novel lately for a number of reasons, so right now I’m reading Lighten the Darkness: An Advent Journey Through Hope. (Guessing nobody would have guessed that.) A blogger I’ve connected with through Project: Underblog, Dena Douglas Hobbs, wrote it, and I’m finding it perfect for the season. There’s a short devotion for each day (from the first day of December through Epiphany), and I’ve found it’s helping me stay centered during the countdown to Christmas. I definitely recommend it for people looking for some religion to temper the busyness of this time of year.

Did you used to peek at your presents when you were little and what was your most memorable childhood present?
One year my brother talked me into peeking before our parents woke up on Christmas morning—Santa didn’t wrap our family’s gifts. I still feel guilty about my premature discovery of The Heart Family and their glorious van.

Where do you blog and how frequently?
Starbucks. Two afternoons a week. In my car. On Sunday mornings. On the couch. When the mood strikes. And in my head. Constantly.

Who’s the funniest person you can think of?
Lenny. While we can both take things far too seriously at times, he’s always the one who makes me laugh—with him and at myself. Little is a close second. But Ellen Degeneres (who, fun fact, I met at my mom’s cousin’s house before she became famous) is my funny-person idol—I adore how she sees good-hearted humor in everything.

Describe your perfect meal.
Pizza and wine. Period.

What’s your #1 goal for 2015?
To actually write the novel that plays through my head all day every day. (I know, I know. That was this year’s goal. Sigh.)

Any pets? What type and names?
After being traumatized by an evil pet hamster as a child—seriously, even my dad wore ski gloves to hold him—I’m not much of a pet person. We did walk by the pond where we freed our tadpole who wouldn’t turn into a frog yesterday. So I’m gonna cross “dog” off Pink’s and Little’s Christmas wishlist. Because that was pretty much the same thing.

What’s the hardest part about blogging for you?
Being a perfectionist. What should take me 30 minutes to write ends up taking hours. I read and edit. And read. And edit. Then start over. Then read. And edit. Then find typos when it’s live anyway. (Just ask Lenny who’s playing his 437^th game of Go Fish so I can get this posted today!)

Thanks again to the lovely ladies who honored me on their blogs. I truly appreciate it!

What small and/or new blogs do YOU love to read? Share in the comments and I’ll be sure to check them out.